In Section 3.2 we study the distribution, composition and changes in organic material that take place over geologic time. Our investigations span the time from the beginning of life on Earth more than three billion years ago to today. In this sense, organic geochemistry can be viewed as forensic science that combines aspects of geology, chemistry and biology and applies them to a colossally long time scale. Molecular and microscopic fossils provide the indicators on which we base our reconstructions of past events and ecosystems. We not only perform basic research, but also work closely with petroleum industrial partners to investigate the processes which lead to the development of fossil fuels.

Our research falls into five categories:

• Sedimentary basin evolution and paleoclimate change
• Biotracers
• Reactant and transport media
• Physical and chemical processes in low permeability systems
• Targeted method developments